Abstract: A self-contained camera enclosure provides protection from intermittent exposure to high temperatures and fire. The protection is provided without connection to electricity or water, and is practical for use in remote areas. Protection is provided by a heat-reflecting outer box containing a liner of insulating material and a frozen-liquid cooling system. A double-pane window using an outer heat-resistant glass and an inner hot mirror allow visible light to enter the enclosed camera while simultaneously blocking heat transmission. To accommodate remote camera equipment, a four-ply thermal insulation is used to protect the cable extending from the enclosure. The enclosure can accommodate different models and types of camera equipment.

Abstract: A method for delignifying wood pulp and fiber is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a wood pulp and exposing the wood pulp to a polyoxometalate of the formula ?V.sub.1 Mo.sub.m W.sub.n Nb.sub.o Ta.sub.p (TM ).sub.q X.sub.r O.sub.s !.sup.x- where l is 0-18, m is 0-40, n is 0-40, o is 0-10, p is 0-10, q is 0-9, r is 0-6, TM is a d-electron-containing transition metal ion, and X is a heteroatom, which is a p or d block element, where l+m+n+o+p.gtoreq.4, l+m+q>0 and s is sufficiently large that x>0. The exposure is under conditions wherein the polyoxometalate is reduced. In a preferable form of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of reoxidizing the polyoxometalate.

Abstract: A fungal inoculum for bioaugmentation of soils contaminated with hazardous compounds or spawn for use in the edible mushroom industry is disclosed. A mechanically pelleted substrate that contains both structural and nutritive components forms the core of the fungal inoculum. The pelleted substrate core is coated with a hydrophilic material in which fungal propagules are dispersed. The biological potential of the fungal inocula can be enhanced by formulating the material composition of fungal inocula to meet the specific requirements of a particular fungus.

Abstract: A localized fiber reinforcement places strong tensile strength fibers across a hypothetical split line near notches in beams to curtail split propagation caused by cross-grain tension that may otherwise significantly reduce the strength of a beam used as a spanning member. An adhesive coated patch may be applied after a notch is cut in the beam or fibers may be attached to a beam at a factory near the location of an anticipated notching.

Abstract: A method for delignifying wood pulp and fiber is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a wood pulp and exposing the wood pulp to a polyoxometalate of the formula ?V.sub.l Mo.sub.m W.sub.n Nb.sub.o Ta.sub.p (TM).sub.q X.sub.r O.sub.s !.sup.x- where l is 0-18, m is 0-40, n is 0-40, o is 0-10, p is 0-10, q is 0-9, r is 0-6, TM is a d-electron-containing transition metal ion, and X is a heteroatom, which is a p or d block element, where l+m+n+o+p.gtoreq.4, l+m+q>0 and s is sufficiently large that x>0. The exposure is under conditions wherein the polyoxometalate is reduced. In a preferable form of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of reoxidizing the polyoxometalate.

Abstract: A method for delignifying wood pulp and fiber is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a wood pulp and exposing the wood pulp to a polyoxometalate of the formula ?V.sub.l Mo.sub.m W.sub.n Nb.sub.o Ta.sub.p (TM).sub.q X.sub.r O.sub.s !.sup.x- where l is 0-18, m is 0-40, n is 0-40, o is 0-10, p is 0-10, q is 0-9, r is 0-6, TM is a d-electron-containing transition metal ion, and X is a heteroatom, which is a p or d block element, where l+m+n+o+p.gtoreq.4, l+m+q>0 and s is sufficiently large that x>0. The exposure is under conditions wherein the polyoxometalate is reduced. In a preferable form of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of reoxidizing the polyoxometalate.

Abstract: A wooden panel door reinforced against attempted break-in contains layers of fiberglass mat and decorative wooden facing strip bonded to the doorjamb and stiles. The stiles and doorjamb are constructed from wood with grain that runs primarily in a single direction, and reinforcing these stiles and doorjambs against impact can be achieved by bonding to them a fiberglass mat, which contains fibers running in transverse directions. The fiberglass mat is in turn covered by a decorative wooden facing strip layer.

Abstract: A method for determining the genotype of a gypsy moth is disclosed. This method begins with the steps of isolating genomic DNA from a candidate gypsy moth, exposing that DNA to an oligonucleotide primer selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or the complement thereof and sequences sufficiently similar to SEQ ID NOs:4 and 5 or the complement thereof under conditions permitting amplification of the genomic DNA, and comparing the amplified DNA with amplified DNA produced by control samples. A genotype identity is assigned to the candidate moth according to which control sample has amplified fragments similar to those in the candidate sample. A method for obtaining DNA primers for determining the genotype of candidate moths is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method uses vacuum restraint, or other pressure differenl, to hold the ends of a sheet specimen to two opposing surfaces, thereby creating a fold in the specimen. As the opposing surfaces cycle along a parallel axis in opposite directions, the fold repeatedly rolls through a specific region of the specimen. The spacing between the opposing surfaces can be adjusted to increase or to decrease the radius of the fold. The velocity of the fold and the number cycles also can be controlled precisely. After repeated movement of the fold, the adhesion of surface treatments, coatings or printing on the specimen substrate begins to break down. Additionally, the integrity of the substrate itself may begin to deteriorate, if it is susceptible to deterioration and to varying degrees depending upon the susceptibility. The extent to which the specimen coating is degraded and substrate integrity reduced is a function of spacing, fold velocity and number of cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting incipient fungal decay in wood is described. Anti-xylanase monoclonal antibody is immobilized in a defined capture zone to a polyester assay substrate. Anti-hemicellulase polyclonal-labeled latex particles (carrier zone) are applied at a position distant from the capture zone. Wood extract to be tested is applied to the end of the polyester substrate and allowed to flow laterally through the carrier zone and the capture zone. A positive test results when antigen in the wood extract is complexed by the labeled polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to form an observable particle complex.

Abstract: Batt style insulation comprised of cellulosic and thermoplastic material and a method of making such insulation. A blend of cellulosic material and thermoplastic fibrous material, wherein the latter comprises between 3%-15% of the blend by weight, is formed by a method such as air-laying into a low density, high loft mat. The surface of the mat is flame-treated to melt the thermoplastic component on the surface, forming a skin which keeps the cellulosic component intact. The thermoplastic component in the interior of the mat remains unmelted, thereby providing the mat with a spring-back characteristic which allows the mat to retain most of its original shape and loft even after it has been compressed for shipping. A facing sheet can be applied to the surface of the mat, as is done with conventional fiberglass batt-style insulation.

Abstract: A method for delignifying wood pulp and fiber is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a wood pulp and exposing the wood pulp to a polyoxometalate of the formula [V.sub.l Mo.sub.m W.sub.n Nb.sub.o Ta.sub.p (TM).sub.q X.sub.r O.sub.s ].sup.x- where l is 0-18, m is . 0-40, n is 0-40, o is 0-10, p is 0-10, q is 0-9, r is 0-6, TM is a d-electron-containing transition metal ion, and X is a heteroatom, which is a p or d block element, where l+m+n+o+p.gtoreq.4, l+m+q>0 and s is sufficiently large that x>0. The exposure is under conditions wherein the polyoxometalate is reduced. In a preferable form of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of reoxidizing the polyoxometalate.

Abstract: A method for oxidative degradation of lignin and polysaccharide fragments dissolved during polyoxometalate delignification or bleaching of wood pulp, wood fiber or pulp obtained from a non-woody plant. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a spent polyoxometalate bleaching solution containing a polyoxometalate of the formula [V.sub.l Mo.sub.m W.sub.n Nb.sub.o Ta.sub.p (TM).sub.q X.sub.r O.sub.s ].sup.x- where 1 is 0-18, m is 0-40, n is 0-40, o is 0-10, p is 0-10, q is 0-9, r is 0-6, TM is a d-electron-containing transition metal ion, and X is a heteroatom which is p or d block element, provided that l+m+n+o+p.gtoreq.4, l+m+q>0 and s is sufficiently large that x>0, and heating the solution in the presence of an oxidant under conditions wherein the dissolved organic compounds are oxidatively degraded to volatile organic compounds and water.

Abstract: A hydroxymethylated resorcinol coupling agent is provided, including a hydroxymethylated resorcinol as an active ingredient, which enables commercial thermosetting adhesives such as bisphenol-A epoxy, phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde, emulsion-polymer isocyanate, phenol-formaldehyde, resorcinol-formaldehyde and other resins of similar chemical nature to develop strong and durable bonds to a variety of untreated and preservatively treated woods. The resulting bonds to wood withstand delaminating stresses that occur with weather and water in exterior environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the delignification of lignocellulosic materials with acidic solutions of peroxymonophosphoric acid for the delignification and brightening of cellulosic pulps in bleaching; for the production of cellulosic pulps for use in paper making and in regenerated cellulose products; for enhancing the properties of recycled cellulosic fibers and for use in animal feeds and other products where removal or degradation of lignin is beneficial.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member, a process for manufacturing the reinforced structural member, and a method of connecting the reinforced structural members to one another are presented. The reinforced structural member includes a reinforcing material which is bonded to a wooden substrate in areas of anticipated connection of the reinforced structural member. The reinforcing material may comprise a fiberglass sheet, a wood laminate sheet, a coating of epoxy resin, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A method of removing color from wood pulp is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing a wood pulp, treating the wood pulp with the xylanase wherein the xylanase is capable of releasing chromophores from the pulp and extracting the wood pulp to remove chromophores. Also disclosed are substantially purified preparations of xylanase enzymes from bacterial isolates. The xylanase is preferrably isolated xyl 3 obtained from Streptomyces roseiscleroticus NRRL B-11019, wherein xyl 3 has a molecular weight of approximately 21 kD as determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis and a pH optima of pH 5.0-7.0.

Abstract: A solid-phase bioremediation method utilizing naturally occurring lignin-degrading fungi. The method includes inoculating a field-contaminated, nonsterile soil or wood having a halogenated hydrocarbon contaminant with an inoculum containing one or more lignin-degrading fungi and a lignocellulosic substrate, and degrading the contaminant to less toxic degradation products.

Abstract: This invention is a method for the protection of wood and other lignocellulosic materials from attack by micro-organisms with the use of iodates. The method consists of treating wood or other lignocellulosic material by soaking it in a solution of iodate for a period of time ranging from three hours to seven days at temperatures between 20.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. The treated material is then removed from the solution and dried. Wood treated with this method shows resistance to attack by wood-degrading micro-organisms. Furthermore, the iodates are resistant to leaching from the wood and other lignocellulosic materials after such treatment.

Abstract: A linear in-line safety shackle device includes a first connecting member engaging a first cable, a second connecting member engaging a second cable, and a device for releasibly securing the first connecting member with the second connecting member. Further provided is at least one safety cable which prevents premature complete separation of the first connecting member from the second connecting member.